Space Segment Product Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
The European Space Agency (ESA) is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the exploration of space. Established in 1975, ESA has grown to include 22 member states and employs over 2,200 staff members. The agency's mission is to shape the development of Europe's space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. ESA operates across multiple countries, with its headquarters in Paris, France, and various establishments throughout Europe, including the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and Spain. The agency is committed to fostering international cooperation in space exploration and technology, promoting scientific research, and developing satellite systems for various applications, including telecommunications, Earth observation, and navigation.

Job Overview:
The Space Segment Product Engineer position is a critical role within the Space Segment Section of the Technology and Products Division at ESA. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the management of space segment technology and product development activities specifically tailored for satellite communication applications. This role requires a proactive approach to initiating, monitoring, and controlling various projects in collaboration with the Procurement Department and Strategic Programme Line managers. The engineer will be expected to conduct thorough reviews of business cases and market assumptions related to both ESA-initiated and industry-initiated space segment development activities. Additionally, the engineer will facilitate industry roadmap meetings, contribute to the preparation of work plans, and identify future product needs and innovations in satellite communication services. The position also involves market intelligence monitoring and strategic initiatives to support the promotion of the directorate’s programs, along with conducting socioeconomic impact analyses. Regular reporting on the progress and outcomes of activities is essential, including realistic forecasting of milestone completion dates, ensuring that all projects align with ESA's strategic objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Space Segment Product Engineer include:

• Initiating and managing space segment technology and product development activities for satellite communication applications.
• Collaborating with the Procurement Department and Strategic Programme Line managers to ensure effective project management.
• Reviewing business cases and market assumptions for ESA and industry-initiated space segment development activities.
• Conducting industry roadmap meetings to discuss space segment products and innovations.
• Contributing to ESA-initiated activities, including the preparation of work plans and identifying product needs for future satellite communication services.
• Monitoring market intelligence and strategic initiatives to support the directorate’s programs.
• Coordinating expert technical support from other ESA organizational units to ensure effective initiation and management of activities.
• Reporting regularly on the progress, status, schedule, and outcomes of activities, including milestone completion forecasts.
• Engaging in continuous improvement and fostering cooperation among team members and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a master’s degree in a relevant engineering or scientific domain, along with a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience. Alternatively, candidates with a bachelor’s degree and an additional four years of relevant experience may also be considered. The ideal candidate should have experience in managing space segment technology and product development activities, particularly in the context of commercial satellite communication applications. Knowledge of ESA and industrial development processes, as well as verification and procurement processes, is essential. Familiarity with satellite communication system architectures, products, and market analysis is also required. Strong negotiation skills and experience in contract or subcontract management are highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a master’s degree in a relevant engineering or scientific field. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree may be considered if they have additional relevant professional experience. The educational qualifications should provide a solid foundation in engineering principles, scientific methodologies, and technical knowledge applicable to space segment technology and satellite communications.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant professional experience in managing space segment technology and product development activities. Candidates with direct experience working with commercial telecommunications operators and European industry will have a distinct advantage. Additionally, an in-depth understanding of operating within a European agency framework is beneficial. Experience in satellite communications market dynamics, business planning, and disruptive innovation strategies is also valuable.

Languages:
The working languages of the European Space Agency are English and French. A good command of one of these languages is mandatory for the position. Knowledge of another language from a Member State would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and collaboration within the diverse workforce of ESA.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term appointment within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of their master’s degree, the position may be filled at the A1 level. During the recruitment process, applicants may be required to undergo selection tests, and successful candidates will need to complete a basic screening before appointment, in compliance with ESA's security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security procedures. The agency is committed to diversity and inclusiveness, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious beliefs, age, disability, or other characteristics. ESA values diversity and aims to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing necessary support in the workplace.